Piece of Jesus' cross believed to be found in Turkey

SINOP, Turkey (CNN) - It could be one of the most important discoveries of Christian history.

A team of archeologists in Turkey say they've found a small, symbolic coffin believed to contain a piece of the cross on which, according to Christian belief, Jesus Christ was crucified.

The coffin has crosses engraved on either side and has been taken to a laboratory for further examination. A professor leading the team said it might include holy relics of a Christian saint or a piece of the cross on which Jesus was killed.

The team has been excavating the site of a church on the coast of the black sea for the past four years. They've also found a Roman bath and tomb at the site and say they've discovered nearly 1,000 skeletons.